Real Madrid: Yan Diomandé responds to criticism after the derby

After the defeat to Atlético, Yan Diomandé responded to criticism over his price before joining up with Côte d’Ivoire.

Having joined Real Madrid this summer from RB Leipzig in a deal that could reach €140 million including bonuses, Yan Diomandé is inevitably under intense scrutiny. The 19-year-old Ivorian winger nevertheless delivered an encouraging performance in the derby defeat to Atlético de Madrid (2-1), in a context where competition on the left wing remains particularly strong.

A few hours after the match, however, the young Ivorian international attracted attention during a TikTok live stream. Addressing a comment referring to his transfer fee, Diomandé replied without hesitation:

“They’ll always come and criticize us… We’re just continuing to rise.”

The clip quickly sparked reactions in Spain. Some supporters in particular criticized him for dancing and posting the content immediately after the derby defeat, while music referring to the €140 million accompanied the video.

Hervé Renard had already called for patience

The criticism surrounding Diomandé’s early days in Madrid is nothing new. Even before the derby, Hervé Renard had publicly defended him. The Côte d’Ivoire head coach had asked for time to be given to his player so he could adapt to his new environment and the competition in Madrid.

“Of course I follow Diomandé’s performances, just as I did during the World Cup. And I think José Mourinho said it all. You have to give the player time to settle in; he arrived late for preseason, and there is competition at Real. Mourinho wasn’t bluffing, he was very clear. You have to be patient with Diomandé.”

A few days later, Renard again confirmed his confidence when announcing his first squad since returning to the Elephants. After saying Diomandé’s name, he added with a smile: “Some people were wondering whether he would be there.”

Diomandé has joined up with Côte d’Ivoire

The Madrid player is now focused on the national team. Called up by Hervé Renard for the September international window, he joined the Côte d’Ivoire camp in Abidjan before the squad’s departure for Bouaké.

The Elephants will begin their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign against Ghana on September 24 in Bouaké, before facing Somalia on September 29 in Abidjan. They will conclude the window with a friendly against Cameroon on October 3.

This international break could allow Diomandé to return to an environment where his status is already well established before heading back to Madrid and continuing his adaptation to La Liga.

Read also: Ligue 1: four Africans among the five most decisive players

Mahdi Zakaria LAZRI |

Editor

Football web writer creating digital sports content with a focus on news, analysis and stories that reflect passion, accuracy and objectivity.

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